Learning to Grow in Southern California

Depending on your location in Southern California, the winter could be mild and dry or wet and cold and your summer could be dry and hot or a constant 70 degrees F. Our weather in this wonderful region is highly unpredictable. The characterizations of Southern California’s can be widespread and extreme.

California Climate

Depending on your location in Southern California, the winter could be mild and dry or wet and cold and your summer could be dry and hot or a constant 70 degrees F. Our weather in this wonderful region is highly unpredictable. The characterizations of Southern California’s can be widespread and extreme. Our coastal mediterranean climate provides enough rain to support plant life and the Pacific Ocean keeps temperatures moderate. Yet the desert of East County requires irrigation during the summer to grow prolific summer crops. The further you move from the coast, the more extreme differences in temperature you will find from day to night and between seasons. To be a successful gardener in Southern California, you must understand your microclimate and growing conditions and be able to readily adapt. Our guide gives you general information about your growing area, however, many places have a microclimate “pocket” of their own where even more specific conditions can occur.

Climate Zones of San Diego County

An area of localized atmospheric, geographic and geologic conditions that cause the weather in that particular area to differ from the greater surrounding area. For example, the temperature in Ocean Beach, a coastal town inside the city limits of San Diego is consistently lower than that of the temperature in North Park, two communities that are less than 5 miles away from each other. That being said, a variety of tomatoes that thrive in high heat will not do well in Ocean Beach.

Microclimate:

An area of localized atmospheric, geographic and geologic conditions that cause the weather in that particular area to differ from the greater surrounding area. For example, the temperature in Ocean Beach, a coastal town inside the city limits of San Diego is consistently lower than that of the temperature in North Park, two communities that are less than 5 miles away from each other. That being said, a variety of tomatoes that thrive in high heat will not do well in Ocean Beach.

Coastal or Zone 1:

Take special caution in these areas when experiencing mild weather. Cool temperatures year round can make growing heat loving vegetables like cucumber, tomatoes, melons and other summer crops difficult. Pick the sunniest south-facing part of your growing area and choose varieties suggested for coastal growing. Growers should also be aware of the damp conditions that can lead to powdery mildew/mold growth. In times of the year that cloudy days are persistent, take extra care to adjust water appropriately and avoid overhead watering. Instead, water directly at soil level. A great benefit of growing in coastal areas is the option of growing tender greens and root crops year round with ease.

Inland Zone 2:

Inland gardeners must pay close attention to the Farmers’ Almanac and learn their zone growing dates. Cool season crops can easily be grown in hotter times of the year. Simply plant cool crops in indirect sunlight and regular airflow, while planting warm season crops in direct sunlight areas that are south facing. Gardeners should choose cool season crops that resist bolting (or immature seed production), or seeds that are labeled “heat resistant”.

Mountains or Zone 3:

Mountain Zone growers must be aware of the shorter growing seasons. For these areas, gardeners want to choose seeds that do not take long periods to achieve maturity, or “short season crops”. This ensures that they can be harvested before the season change. In areas where snow falls, brassica crops such as Kale and Brussels Sprouts can grow through the cold and actually get sweeter as cool temperatures increase.

Desert or Zone 4: Gardeners growing in desert areas are limited to the cooler times of the year. Because of high heat conditions, growing should be reserved for the warm season. Shade cloths are very helpful to reduce the amount of direct sun a crop receives. Growers should choose seeds labeled “heat resistant” or “desert crop”, or if water access is available, crops that require high heat such as solanacae and cucurbits can be grown bountifully with ease.

Mastering Growing in San Diego: Important obstacles to overcome.

Southern California has amazing weather that can support year-round food production, but less can be said about our soil. In many areas, soil mostly consists of clay, sand and sodium chloride and easily becomes rock-hard, bare and void of nutrients if not constantly maintained.

Southern California: Beautiful Weather & Horrible Soil

Southern California has amazing weather that can support year-round food production, but less can be said about our soil. In many areas, soil mostly consists of clay, sand and sodium chloride and easily becomes rock-hard, bare and void of nutrients if not constantly maintained. Soil health is directly connected to the health of plants and should be considered before planting. Here are a few tips that can help your garden flourish in less than desirable soil conditions.

Amend, Amend, Amend! Organic material or humus is the best ingredient to add to your soil. By working with compost you can easily add valuable organic material to the soil. This allows for better drainage, accurate moisture retention and the collection of precious bacteria that keeps gardens healthy. Lasagna mulching is the best option for amending a large area with poor soil issues.

For those of us who don’t have the space or means to admen the soil, we always recommend using raised beds that can be filled with good soil. Raised beds can be made from many differing materials or bought pre-made from any nursery. Although this may seem more expensive in the beginning, it does have its benefits. Raised beds are easier on the back due to less bending and can provide a beginner gardener with the right soil for success.